Trailer-Tipping Prevention Tips That Could Save Your Life
Although towing a travel trailer can be very gratifying, the process does come with some unique challenges. Anytime that you accelerate a large and heavy object to high speeds, there are inherent risks involved. That's why it's important to understand these risks and take the proper precautions to help minimize them. When it comes to the risk of your trailer tipping over, the pros at Mountaineer RV & Outdoor have plenty of insight to help keep you and your family safe. To learn more, you can stop by our location in Weston, West Virginia, serving Morgantown.
Know the Weather
Driving in inclement weather can be dangerous even when you're not towing a travel trailer. With the added weight of a trailer, weather conditions, such as rain, snow, and heavy wind, can make safe travel next to impossible. That's why it's important to stay aware of the forecast so that you can plan your travel around the worst of the weather. If you are forced to travel in inclement weather, be sure to reduce your speed and be willing to pull over if conditions worsen.
Practice Before Leaving
Pulling a travel trailer requires a different set of driving skills than what is required for regular driving. To help master these skills, it's important to practice in a low-risk area before leaving on your first trip. You'll want to focus specifically on giving yourself enough room to bring your vehicle and trailer to a stop. If you don't practice, your travel trailer could tip if you have to slam on the brakes in a short-stop situation.
Inspect Your Trailer
Your travel trailer has many crucial components that need to perform correctly to ensure you have a safe trip. For example, your trailer's tires support a lot of weight and help keep your travel trailer properly balanced. If you have tires that are worn out or improperly inflated, you could have a blowout while you're driving. This sudden shift in weight could cause your trailer to tip over, resulting in significant damage.
Know How to Load
A bad tire is not the only thing that can cause uneven weight distribution. If you fail to load your trailer properly, the unbalanced weight could cause your trailer to sway uncontrollably while you're driving. While it doesn't have to be an exact science, it's still a good idea to pay close attention to exceptionally heavy items and make sure you keep them on opposite ends of your trailer.
When you correctly understand and prepare for the risks that come with towing a travel trailer, you will be able to have a much more pleasant travel experience. If you need further assistance, don't hesitate to contact us at Mountaineer RV & Outdoor. You can also visit our location in Weston, West Virginia, serving Morgantown.